CrushCraft Thai Street Eats To Opens Today At 11am

by Steven Doyle     photos by Joy Zhang

Chef Paul Singhapong is well known in Dallas for his time at Crescent Court Hotel’s Beau-Nash or perhaps more recently at Cru Wine Bar as opening executive chef. For craveDFW readers you might recall a handful of evenings where he delighted the city with a special Thai menu at Malai Kitchen in the West Village. Singhapong’s resume is rock solid and includes stints at the French Room, the Melrose Hotel and the Mansion on Turtle Creek working with the very best Dallas has to offer.  Today word is sent detailing his new restaurant, CrushCraft Thai Street Eats, which will open in the Quadrangle at 2800 Routh St in Dallas today at 11am.   

“We feel as though some of the traditional techniques and methods to make great Thai food, admittedly not the most efficient, is somewhat a lost art.  We are taking a very handmade approach to the menu and want to bring back some of those traditions and share that experience with our diners in a fast-casual format,” explains Chef Singhapong.  The menu is made up of three different sections.  The “Humble Homey” section is traditional Thai cuisine found prevalent in open markets such as Laap Isaan, Kra-Pao and Moo Ping.

The “Swanky Citizen” section is made up of favorite Thai items one might tend to expect from a restaurant of this kind such as Phat Thai, Khao Soi and Papaya Salad.  The “For Chefs” section will rotate monthly and consist of items that are intended to push the envelope and are more chef-driven and creative such as Sweet Pork Belly Curry, Kai Yaang and Braised Short Ribs.  A bar menu consists of Southeast Asian premium imports, local drafts, and a selection of sake and soju.

Chef Singhapong explains, “We really believe CrushCraft will change the experience you would typically find in an Asian restaurant.  I like our format of casually coming in and out without having to go through the formal dining experience.  Great food should be accessible to everyone and I think this is such a big part of the culture we want to bring with CrushCraft.  We really just want to be a part of the neighborhood and be the go-to place for simply great Thai food.” 

Long time restaurateur will join Singhapong as co-owner and will run the front of house and act as general manager. CrushCraft will be open for both lunch and dinner service.